2.2 Authentic Materials for Language Learning
Authentic material is defined by Gardner and Miller (1999, pp. 101) as material intended for
some other use besides language learning. Authentic material can come in all forms of
communication. It may be written text, audio recordings of actual communications or video
of conversations or dialogue, all containing content not intended to be used for language
instruction.
There are several benefits of employing authentic materials for language learning and
teaching. First, they can provide examples for learners of how to communicate in real life
situations through exposing them to the sorts of messages they will likely face in everyday
conversation. Second, authentic materials can help the leaner focus on the language skills
they truly need and ignore skills they may not need for their job or studies.
In addition, authentic materials can strengthen learning strategies which can then be
employed in different situations. Those learners with training in self-access learning tend to
possess knowledge of what language learning strategies they can best use. Little, Devitt &
Singleton (1988 cited in Guariento & Morley, 2001) stated that authentic texts motivate
learners and promote language acquisition. Firstly, authentic text or material tends to be more
interesting than invented text. Secondly, authentic text motivates learners to pay attention to
meaning instead of only form or structure. According to Little et al, language acquisition
occurs when learners activate their background knowledge of the world, of discourse, and of
the language system.